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Ornamental Cabbage January 1, 1970

There is something about the ornamental cabbage’s coarse, country character that I find visually interesting, especially when combined with more sophisticated plants in a container or flower bed. I like to combine ornamental cabbage with other cold tolerant plants like ivies, snapdragons, dianthus, mums and, of course, pansies. The bold rosettes of ruffled leaves look like dresses made by Pearl Bodine of Beverly Hillbillies fame. It is also nice that they can they can tolerate a light frost, making them season extenders.

Ornamental cabbage comes in colors ranging from a simple dusty blue-green to a showy purple and green variegated variety. As the temperatures cool in fall, the color becomes brighter. As spring heats up, the plant will start to fade.